If the consul decides that your knowledge of Polish or of Polish traditions is not sufficient, they will issue a refusal. You then have two options.
1. Appeal
You can appeal the refusal to the Council for Poles Abroad (Rada do Spraw Polaków poza Granicami Kraju). You submit the appeal through the consul within 30 days of receiving the decision. Explain why you think the decision is wrong and attach documents that support it.
2. A new application
You can also prepare better and apply again. Ask the consulate when you can book another appointment.
How to prepare better
- Start with the questions about yourself and your family. That is where people most often get lost.
- Practise out loud. Understanding and speaking are not the same as reading.
- Do a few timed mock interviews to get used to the pressure.
- Learn to ask for a question to be repeated. It is better to ask than to answer off topic.